ABINGDON, Va., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR), one of the nation's leading coal suppliers, is pleased to announce that one of its affiliates, Love Branch South, has been honored with an underground safety award. The award recognizes a mining operation with the best safety record in the Pikeville, Kentucky district. The Kentucky office of Mine Safety and the Kentucky Coal Association sponsored the award.

Love Branch South had zero lost-time injuries during 2010, which was the timeframe for the award. It was also recognized for the best compliance record within the district for mine safety regulations. Love Branch South operates one mine and employs approximately 48 people.

"It is an honor to be recognized for our commitment to safety. Our employees work hard every day and are dedicated to operating safely," said Eddie Bateman, Senior Vice President of Alpha's Virginia and Kentucky operations. "We congratulate the Love Branch South employees on winning this award."

About Alpha Natural Resources

Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR) is a leading supplier and exporter of metallurgical coal used in the steel-making process and is a major supplier of thermal coal to electric utilities and manufacturing industries across the country. The company, through its affiliates, employs approximately 14,000 people and operates more than 150 mines and 40 coal preparation facilities in the regions of Northern and Central Appalachia and the Powder River Basin. More information about Alpha can be found on the company's website at www.alphanr.com.